The long-delayed Citizens’ Assembly looking into merging the District of Saanich and the City of Victoria is going ahead.

“We have all agreed to each contribute $250,000, for a total of $750,000, toward the cost of a citizens’ assembly and to explore the possible outcomes, costs, benefits and disadvantages of amalgamation so that residents have a more complete understanding of what amalgamation may involve,” said a statement issued by the three parties.

However, citing challenges with gathering in person during the pandemic, the process has been bumped back until after the Oct. 15 civic elections.

“We recognize there are strong opinions regarding amalgamation, and we want to ensure people have an opportunity to provide input in an open forum and a subsequent decision is well-informed and evidence-based, the statement said.”

St. Patrick’s Day is today! With more opportunities to enjoy the holiday we hope you enjoy festivities this year safely and responsibly.

Looking for inspiration on what to do today? Well, you’re in luck! See what you can do to celebrate the holiday while also supporting local business:
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• Pick up some treats at a local bakery or try baking some lucky clover cookies yourself – don’t forget the green food colouring! 
• Kick up your heels and dance, maybe even learn an Irish Jig and show off your dance moves to your friends.
• Take your kids on a walk through a local park to hunt for leprechaun gold. Make sure to admire the blooms that were counted during the 47th Annual Greater Victoria Flower Count!
• Make a traditional Irish meal – Irish stew, soda bread, corned beef, and shepherd’s pie are all delicious options. 
• Don’t feel like cooking? Order classic Irish meals from restaurants around town, including the Irish Times Pub – rated as the Best Irish Pub in North America. 
• Taste test a few whiskies — perhaps an award-winning whisky from Victoria Caledonian Distillery?
• Spice up your evening with an Irish Coffee. Be sure to buy coffee beans from a local supplier. 
• Visit a local brewery/ distillery or buy a gift card to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day anytime of the year.

​Greater Victoria’s unemployment rate was 4.2% in February, up from 3.9% in January, according to the latest numbers from Statistics Canada.
 
The February Labour Force Survey also shows that more jobs were returning to the office, with 37.2% of people working most of their hours from home. That’s down 5.8% from January. Statistics Canada attributed the decline to easing of public health restrictions and an uptake in jobs difficult to do from home such as in accommodation, food services and retail.
 
“As employers implement return-to-office plans, a number of factors might influence their ability to attract and retain employees,” the survey said, noting tightening labour market, workers’ concerns about affordability, and a “desire to retain the flexibility and quality of employment associated with working from home.”

​On June 1, the minimum wage in BC will increase to $15.65 per hour based on a 2.8% rate of inflation in 2021. It will be the first increase tied to inflation, as announced in last month’s BC Budget.
 
“I spoke to Finance Minister Robinson about this after the provincial budget was unveiled and made sure she understood that our members were concerned about how the government was going to tie an increase to inflation. Businesses need to be able to plan their costs,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said in a statement to media. “An increase of 2.8% is reasonable, given the uncertainty over the fluctuation in inflation caused by global events and supply chain issues connected to the pandemic.
 
“However, this represents one more cost for businesses already operating with tight margins. Raising wages contributes to rising prices, and we can’t take economic recovery for granted. Government has other options for making life more affordable, such as improving conditions for the construction of more homes to meet the demand of all the people who want to move to our region. It’s clear that without adequate housing supply, costs will continue to increase and make it even harder for people earning minimum wage to live in our province.”

​Canada’s Consumer Price Index climbed to 5.6% February, according to the latest figures released today by Statistics Canada. This follows on the heels of a 5.1% increase in January. Prior to 2022, the largest gain was 30 years ago at over 6%.
 
Inflation has been rising for months due to challenges with global supply chains. Last month’s invasion of Ukraine has amplified concerns over the supply of fuel and resources in many parts of the world. Inflation is higher than it has been in Canada since 1991 with food, shelter and transportation at the forefront of the increases.
 
However, experts say Canada’s economy remains solid and will be able to weather the storm. There is speculation that the Bank of Canada will raise its interest rates by half a point in April to cool demand. The last increase was in March raising it a quarter point to .5%.
 
“Despite rising inflation and intensifying geopolitical risks, domestic economic data is expected to look firm,” states a report issued by RBC Economics.